A farm has been given the go-ahead to open a 45-pitch campsite and micropub as owners say “diversification is key” to staying alive.

The Gower family, who have run Blandred Farm in Acrise near Folkestone since 1970, hope to replicate the success of a seasonal campsite at their other farm in Coxhill, Shepherdswell, near Dover, which they opened in 2022.

While they own the land, Emily and Mark Leftley manage the Coxhill site and will also run the Blandred Farm plot.

They will use three-and-a-half acres out of 1,000 and will be open to the public from June until the end of September.

Three temporary shower and toilet blocks will also be built, with customers able to park next to their pitch.

Planning officers at Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) granted the scheme approval last week.

In their report, they added: “The proposal would constitute a farm diversification scheme and establishing a rural business that supports the rural economy.

“The landscape enhancements at the site and the seasonal nature of the use are considered to outweigh the visual impact of the proposal within the designated landscape.

“It is considered the proposal is a sustainable development.”

The proposed site has been used to make hay in recent years and is well-screened by mature hedges and trees.

Previously, Kim Gower, who has lived on Blandred Farm for the past 25 years, said the state of farming currently makes it “incredibly difficult” for people to make a profit and that “diversification is key”.

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Her plan to transform an existing agricultural building into a micropub also received approval in August.

The separate scheme includes an outdoor seating area and a car park.

Planning officers at FHDC said: “There is an opportunity for the development of tourist-related businesses that will allow recreational opportunities for the public in the countryside while also benefiting both the landowner and the local economy.

“The site sits within the existing collection of farm buildings and within an existing structure, where the dominant land use will remain agricultural - maintaining the visual character and appearance of the area.

“The substantial vegetative screen and part-time nature of the proposal would ensure cars were not present throughout the year.

“It is considered the proposal would have no significant detrimental impact upon the visual character and appearance of the designated landscape or its tranquil nature.”

Commenting on the approval, Mrs Gower said the family were “really happy that the planning permission had gone through”.

She added they now look forward to opening the campsite next June.